News Release

Technology Opens World of Marine Archaeology off Greece

Scientists and engineers in the Deep Submergence Laboratory
are working with Canadian, American and Greek colleagues to
find and study the lost fleets of the Persian Wars. The WHOI
team, experienced in underwater search and survey work and in
imaging the seafloor in detail, has participated in a number
of archaeological studies in the Mediterranean and Black Seas
in the past decade. In June, WHOI researchers will return to
the site off Mount Athos in the northern Aegean Sea to survey
the seafloor for remains of the ancient warships, known as triremes,
along with their bronze rams and other armaments. No wreck of
a trireme has ever been found. Ships from five fleets are believed
preserved in deep water, some sunk in storms and others lost
in battle. Additional wrecks may lie scattered in harbors and
coastal areas.

Originally published: May 1, 2004

WHOI is the world's leading non-profit oceanographic research organization. Our mission is to explore and understand the ocean and to educate scientists, students, decision-makers, and the public.